Students protest in Jammu in favour of pre-2019 admission policy
Jammu: Hundreds of students from Ladakh region of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir held a strong protest in Jammu, demanding the restoration of pre-2019 admission policy.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the demonstration, organized by the All Ladakh Students Joint Action Committee, saw both male and female students carrying placards that read “Education is Our Right” and “Don’t Divide Our Educational Opportunities.”
The protesters highlighted how the bifurcation of occupied Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019 has adversely impacted their access to quality education. “Earlier, we could easily get admission in Jammu colleges under the Scheduled Tribe quota, but now we’re being turned away,” lamented Tsewang Dolma, a protesting student.
The students pointed out several systemic gaps in Ladakh’s educational infrastructure that compel them to seek admission in Jammu. “Ladakh University still doesn’t offer popular subjects, and we have no medical or engineering colleges,” explained Rigzin Namgyal, another protester.
The protesters revealed how the policy change has disrupted academic aspirations. “Many of us had prepared for Jammu-based competitive exams for years, only to find the rules changed suddenly,” shared a group of students preparing for medical entrance tests.
Education experts present at the protest noted that the transition period requires more sensitive handling. “While Ladakh’s separation was administrative, educational needs can’t be redrawn overnight,” observed Dr. Tsering Angmo, a Ladakhi scholar. “The government must implement transitional policies.”
The students have submitted a memorandum to the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor’s office, seeking immediate intervention. They demand either continuation of the old admission policy or accelerated development of higher education infrastructure in Ladakh.
As the protest concluded, the students vowed to escalate their agitation if their demands aren’t met. “We’ll take this to Delhi if needed,” warned the protest organizers, highlighting that this issue affects nearly 5,000 Ladakhi students seeking higher education annually.
